A sea of fireworms? New insights on ecology and seasonal density of Hermodice carunculata (Pallas, 1766) (Annelida) in the Ionian Sea (SE Italy)

Figures & data

Figure 1. (a) Frontal view of Hermodice carunculata specimen; (b) H. carunculata individual on rocky substrate. Credits: Michele Solca.

Figure 2. Study area, with sampling stations S1 and S2 highlighted in red.

Figure 3. Characterization of stations S1 and S2. (a, c, e) station S1 and (b, d, f) station S2 at an ever-increasing magnification level. Credits: Michele Solca.

Figure 4. Number of individuals per 15 m² in sites S1 and S2.

Figure 5. (a) Hermodice carunculata eating a dead Aplysia specimen; (b) H. carunculata eating a dead sea urchin; (c) H. carunculata eating a piece of chicken used as bait. Credits: Andrea Toso (a, b) and Michele Solca (c).

Figure 6. (a) Plates of chitons; (b) gastropod (Mollusca) with a hermit crab visible inside one of the shells; (c) various gastropods together with the valves of a bivalve; (d) parts of the skeleton characteristic of crustaceans; (e) skeletal elements typical of the ophiures; (f) skeleton and spines of sea urchins; (g) partial maxillary system of a polychaete (probably Lumbrineridae); (h) chitinous fragments of a hornet.